Three city councilors have accused Human Resources Director William Mahoney of failing to enforce the city's residency requirement by allowing one deputy fire chief and five district chiefs to live outside Springfield despite their promotions.
"Many of these Chiefs have been in violation of the ordinance for years and Bill Mahoney has yet to demand that they comply," the councilors stated in a joint press release.
"It's his job to enforce the ordinance and it can't be this difficult," At Large Councilor Justin Hurst said in the release. "Move in immediately or lose your job! It's just that simple!"
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno accused the councilors – Justin Hurst, Bud Williams and Adam Gomez – of vilifying the Fire Department, adding: "I won't stand for it."
Mahoney said he does not believe the city has required district fire chiefs to live in the city for decades. The residency issue has been discussed with the Fire Chiefs Association of Springfield in the past at the bargaining table and will be discussed again, he said.